Questions and Answers
Describe Moshe, the Beadle.
Was a poor Jewish man in their town.
Why did Eliezer pray, and why did he cry when he prayed?
Prayed because he was faithful and he said he didn't know why he cried but he felt in his heart he should.
Upon his return, what story did Moshe tell?
They were taken by train, were forced to dig deep trenches and were shot into the holes they'd dug. But Moshe miraculously escaped.
Why didn't people believe him?
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Cite examples of how the Jewish citizens of Sighet began to lose their rights.
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What is a ghetto?
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Why did the citizens resist the truth, even when it was in front of them?
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Describe the conditions in the train (at the end of the chapter).
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What literary point of view is used for this book?
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Explain this comment: 'Poor Father. Of what then did you die?'
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What does the author mean by the following: 'On the seventh day of Passover the curtain rose?'
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Explain the paragraph: 'the shadows beside me awoke as from a long sleep. They fled, silently, in all directions.'
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Explain, 'Our eyes were opened, but too late.' Where was the train at this point?
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What was foreshadowed by Madame Schacter's nightmare?
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What did some of the passengers do to quiet Madame Schacter?
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Where did the train finally stop?
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When questioned by the S.S. Officer, why did Elie lie about his age and occupation?
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What was the first horrifying sight that Elie at first disbelieved?
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Study Notes
Moshe the Beadle
- Described as a poor Jewish man, he served as a spiritual leader in Sighet.
- His warnings about the Nazi threat were initially ignored by the townspeople.
Eliezer's Prayer
- Eliezer prayed out of deep faith, feeling compelled to connect with God.
- Although he didn't understand why he cried, it was a natural emotional response.
Moshe's Experience
- Moshe escaped after being taken by train with other Jews, forced to dig trenches, and shot into them.
- His escape was miraculous, but his warnings went unheeded.
Denial of the Citizens
- The people of Sighet were naïve and in denial about the severity of the situation.
- Their stubbornness prevented them from accepting the truth of their persecution.
Erosion of Jewish Rights
- Jewish citizens began to lose their rights through measures like wearing yellow stars and curfews.
- Public places of worship were becoming inaccessible.
Understanding Ghettos
- Ghettos were designated areas where Jews were forcibly segregated from the rest of society.
- These locations were often overcrowded and oppressive.
Resistance to Truth
- Citizens resisted acknowledging their persecution due to denial and a reluctance to accept the harsh reality.
- The concept of persecution was difficult for them to comprehend within their cultural context.
Conditions in the Train
- The train car was severely overcrowded, with about 80 people in cramped quarters.
- The environment was hot, smelly, and unsanitary, lacking basic hygiene facilities.
Literary Perspective
- The book is narrated from a 1st-person point of view, offering a personal account of the events.
Significance of the Yellow Star
- The yellow star symbolized the mark of being Jewish, which in their society equated to a death sentence.
- Eliezer reflects on his father's dismissal of the symbol's danger.
Symbolism of Passover
- The phrase "On the seventh day of Passover the curtain rose" signifies the imminent tragic events to unfold.
- It marks a turning point from celebration to impending doom.
Shadows in the Narrative
- The phrase about shadows awakening symbolizes the fear and realization that enveloped the Jewish community.
Realization of Fate
- "Our eyes were opened, but too late" emphasizes the tragic point of no return as they recognized their fate.
- At this moment, they realized the gravity of their situation while on the train in Kas Chav.
Foreshadowing of Death
- Madame Schacter's nightmare of fire foreshadows the horrors of cremation and death they would face at Auschwitz.
- Her recurring visions are a prescient warning of the dangers ahead.
Treatment of Madame Schacter
- Passengers, desperate to silence Madame Schacter's cries, tried to comfort her but eventually resorted to violence.
- They tied her up to prevent further panic and disturbance.
Train's Final Stop
- The train ultimately arrived at Auschwitz, marking the beginning of their horrific experiences in the concentration camp.
Elie's Deception to S.S. Officer
- Faced with the S.S. officer, Elie lied about his age to appear younger and delay his fate.
- He claimed to be a farmer to protect himself, hoping to be seen as a hard worker.
Disbelief in Horrors Unfolding
- Initial reactions to the sights at Auschwitz were of disbelief, reflecting a psychological coping mechanism amidst chaos.
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Description
Explore the key elements of Chapter 1 of 'Night' by Elie Wiesel with this quiz. Test your knowledge on Moshe the Beadle, Eliezer's prayers, and the critical events that set the tone for the memoir. Perfect for students and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the text.